NCMA seeks parents views on deregulation

The NCMA has partnered with Netmums to launch an online survey to gain the support of parents against Government proposals to take childminders out of the current inspection and regulation system.

The move forms part of the NCMA’s ongoing Inspection Matters campaign, which was launched last month.
According to the association, more than 4,400 childminders have raised concerns over the Government’s plans to take childminders out of individual inspections, via the NCMA’s own survey, by writing to their local councillors and MPs and meetings with MPs and ministers.

NCMA joint chief executive, Liz Bayram, said, ‘Many of our members told us that the parents who use their services wanted the opportunity to raise their concerns about these proposals too. So we are delighted that Netmums has agreed to support us.

‘Parents must have confidence that childminders are suitable people to care for their children. Our members believe that this comes from parents knowing that they are required to register with Ofsted and are inspected against the same minimum standards required of nurseries and other group settings. That is how parents are reassured that individual childminders provide safe, high quality learning and childcare.’

Parents have until 22 June to take the online survey.